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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, on Monday, September 7, warned that his government would take legal action against those making derogatory or abusive remarks against women, in what appeared to be a veiled attack over Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin’s alleged offensive remarks involving a woman actor.
Speaking during his reply to the demands for grants for the Police and Fire and Rescue Services departments in the Assembly, Vijay departed from his prepared speech to address what he described as an increasingly “obscene and abusive stream” of political discourse in Tamil Nadu.
“Politics can be discussed in any manner, but no one should be personally abused or defamed,” Vijay said, stressing that political criticism should not extend to personal attacks, particularly against women.
He said people across Tamil Nadu were watching the language used by some political leaders and criticised the use of double-meaning remarks against women.
“Women are the main reason behind my political victory. I will not tolerate any abusive language against women. There can be harsh political criticism, but there should not be any defamatory remarks against women,” he said.
Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested by Neelankarai police on August 4 over allegedly sexist remarks against a woman actor made at a DMK protest in Thanjavur. However, Udhayanidhi denied making the remarks attributed to him and said the action was based on “something I didn’t say”.
The Chief Minister also referred to former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and the treatment she faced inside the Assembly.
He criticised violent rhetoric in the Assembly, referring to a remark by DMK MLA Markandeyan about “breaking bones” and saying such language had contributed to the party’s political situation today.
He also referred to a remark by senior DMK leader RS Bharathi that those who did not vote for the party would not have a “good death.”
Vijay called for political decency and decorum, saying freedom of expression could not be used to justify personal or degrading attacks.
Welfare schemes and projects
Vijay also accused the DMK government of discontinuing several schemes introduced by the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government after coming to power in 2021.
He cited the Thalikku Thangam scheme (marriage assistance), Amma Two-Wheeler Scheme, free distribution of goats and cows, and Amma Mini Clinics. However, the marriage assistance scheme Thalikku Thangam was converted into Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme, popularly known as the Puthumai Penn scheme by the DMK.
He also criticised the DMK government over the free laptop scheme, alleging that it had been discontinued for nearly four-and-a-half years and revived only around the election.
Citing Villupuram district, he referred to a Rs 1,500-crore desalination project and a Rs 235-crore fishing harbour at Azhagan Kuppam. He also said Dr J Jayalalithaa University in Villupuram, which had been established and was functioning, was subsequently closed by the DMK government.
Vijay defends government’s record on policing
Responding to criticism of his government’s handling of law and order, Vijay said the police should not function as a “power centre” but as protectors of the people.
In response, CM Vijay referred to the recent murder of a student at a Coimbatore college, saying 36 people had been arrested in connection with the case. He argued that several crime incidents reported over the previous three months were the result of existing enmity and revenge.
Vijay then accused the previous DMK government of political interference in policing and alleged that complaints involving its party functionaries were not immediately registered as FIRs.
He cited several cases to support his allegation, including the 2022 incident involving a woman police officer deployed for security at a DMK public meeting. He alleged that DMK functionaries had misbehaved with the officer and that pressure was exerted after she lodged a complaint.
The case Vijay referred to happened in December 2022, when a woman police officer lodged a complaint alleging sexual harassment. Following the incident, the two accused issued an apology letter at the Koyambedu police commissioner’s office, claiming that the incident was an accident and a result of heavy crowds at the event. However, in January 2023, the woman withdrew her complaint, and both the accused were arrested.
He also said his government had acted against its own party functionaries when complaints warranted action. He cited cases in Thoothukudi, Chennai, Mylapore, Alandur, Ranipet and Salem, saying FIRs had been registered and arrests made wherever necessary.
“Whoever is the wrongdoer, action will be taken. We believe that everybody is equal before the law,” Vijay said.
DMK stages walkout
The Chief Minister’s speech was repeatedly disrupted by DMK members, who raised slogans, surrounded the Speaker and later staged a sit-in on the floor of the House. DMK deputy leader KN Nehru asked Vijay to request the Speaker to allow Udhayanidhi Stalin to respond. Vijay was seen gesturing that the decision rested with the Speaker. Later, Vijay himself asked the Speaker to allow the DMK to speak.
However, Speaker JCD Prabhakar refused, saying DMK members had not allowed Vijay even a minute to speak when he began his reply. The DMK subsequently staged a walkout.
Speaking after the proceedings, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said DMK members had remained silent during the first 15 minutes of Vijay’s reply, when he spoke about measures taken by his government on policing. “After 15 minutes, Chief Minister Vijay levelled allegations against DMK members without any evidence,” Udhayanidhi said.
He accused Vijay of continuing to behave as if the DMK were still in power. “I thought he would come prepared, since he had said he would answer our questions on Monday. But he came, memorised something and delivered it in the Assembly like a recitation competition,” Udhayanidhi said.
He alleged that the Speaker had initially agreed to allow the DMK to respond after Vijay’s speech but later denied them the opportunity. He also dismissed Vijay’s references to ED material as “mere allegations” and said “none of them have been proved.”
Udhayanidhi said he had asked Vijay 15 questions and requested direct answers without diversion, but accused the Chief Minister of delivering “the same acting and punch-dialogue speeches” instead.
“He spoke only for Instagram reels and left,” Udhayanidhi added.
Opposition reacts
Desiya Murupokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) general secretary and Virudhachalam MLA Premalatha Vijayakant welcomed Chief Minister Vijay’s remarks but said the principle should apply to everyone.
“I welcome the Chief Minister’s statement that action will be taken against anyone who makes derogatory remarks about women. What he has said should be a principle that applies to everyone,” Premalatha said. “There are also TVK members who make obscene remarks about women leaders on social media. They should also be condemned,” she added.
Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanimozhi criticised the proceedings in the Assembly, saying the House had turned into a “circus” instead of discussing public concerns. “The Assembly is supposed to discuss law and order, the safety of children and women, and other issues concerning the people. Today, it has turned into a circus. Not everything loud is true,” she said.
With inputs from Yashavini Ezhilmurugan.
